Vatican City, Oct 7, 2004 / 12:00 am (CNA).- On the eve of the 26th anniversary of his election to the papacy, the Russian Army Choir, orchestra and ballet corps will perform in the Vatican for Pope John Paul II, in homage to his pontificate.

The concert will be performed at 6 p.m. October 15 in the Paul VI Hall and will feature 150 musicians, singers and dancers.

Formed in 1928, the Russian Army orchestra, also known as the Red Army Choir and orchestra, is led by Maestro Viaceslav Korobko and will perform Russian folklore music and accompany the dancers in the first part of the 90-minute program.

The choir will then perform a selection of traditional Russian songs. Pope John Paul is scheduled to speak at the end of the performance, which will be aired live on RAI, the Italian state television.